BYU WR Kody Epps Snags First Career TD Against Oregon

EUGENE, Ore. – BYU wide receiver Kody Epps pulled into a throw from Jaren Hall for his first career touchdown during the Cougars’ game against the Oregon Ducks.

The Ducks hosted the Cougars at Autzen Stadium on Saturday, September 17.

With 14:05 left in the fourth quarter, Hall threw a dart into the far side of the end zone for Epps, who hauled it in for an 18-yard score.

Epps’ catch cut Oregon’s lead to 38-14.

First career TD for @EppsKody 👊 pic.twitter.com/2m2KEKq9ch

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) September 17, 2022

The played capped a seven-play, 55-yard drive that lasted 2:44.

Following the score, Hall was 19/27 passing for 233 yards and two touchdowns. Epps had five receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown. Hall entered the game having thrown for 522 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Epps arrived in Oregon with seven catches for 54 yards.

#BYU WR Kody Epps scores his first career touchdown.#BYUvsORE #BYUFootball #GoCougs

📸: @BYUPhoto pic.twitter.com/qfhYTA32eg

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 17, 2022

No. 12 BYU vs. No. 25 Oregon

The Cougars once again start off their season in the national spotlight after knocking off no. 9 Baylor in Provo last Saturday. BYU is up to no. 12 in the AP poll and awaits another Top 25 matchup, this week on the road against no. 25 Oregon.

It’s another opportunity for a signature win for BYU, who is garnering buzz from the college football world. Head coach Kalani Sitake will hope his team stays focused on the task ahead and not any postseason potential.

BYU is off to a 2-0 start on the season with wins over South Florida and Baylor. Oregon opened the season with an embarrassing 49-3 loss to Georgia. They responded well last week against FCS Eastern Washington, thrashing the Eagles 70-14.

The Cougars face another tough test with a talented and athletic Oregon squad. Dan Lanning took over as head coach this offseason, having helped lead the Georgia Bulldogs to National Championship in 2021. Transfer quarterback Bo Nix, the former Auburn Tiger, leads the offense for the Ducks. He has 450 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions on 70% completion for the season so far. Linebackers Justin Flowe and Noah Sewell lead a challenging defense with size and speed.

Another Top 25 matchup for the Cougars 👀#BYUFootball #GoCougs #BYUvsOREhttps://t.co/V3wH1P2uub

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 17, 2022

BYU will be without wide receivers Puka Nacua and Gunner Romney yet again. However, as we saw last week this team has plenty of talent waiting in the wings. Chase Roberts broke out with eight receptions and 122 yards last week against Baylor.

The BYU defense was the MVP in last week’s win, stifling the Bears and holding tough again and again down the stretch. The Cougars will also be without two key pieces on the defensive line: Tyler Batty and Earl Tuioti-Mariner.

Ultimately, the difference in the win over Baylor and the difference this week will be quarterback Jaren Hall. Hall came up big when it was needed, leading the Cougars on two different two-minute drills a week ago. He showed his leadership after the game with his embrace of kicker Jake Oldroyd. His poise and control of the offense is evident early in this 2022 season and he has an opportunity for a breakout performance against Oregon.

BYU’s game against Oregon is broadcast on FOX and KSL NewsRadio.

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